Hey friends,

So I'm dealing with the infamous valve cover leaks on both the drivers and passengers sides. I was thinking of replacing the old gaskets with new RTV sealant myself, as described in this forum, but the job is probably beyond my skills and certainly beyond my toolbox. I am wondering, what would be the best way to get this fixed? The dealership is a possibility, but they are slow, expensive, and an hour away. Would it make sense to print out instructions from this forum and bring them to a mechanic's shop to seek an estimate? Or perhaps use a craigslist mobile mechanic? What would be a good price for this job and where could I obtain the parts in advance? I saw that I may need some new hex bolts but I am not sure if anything else is required.

Thanks in advance for your guidance and expertise.

blazodan


2004 Coupe
Illuminati Edition
Chrome trim
Large chrome wheels
Subwoofer
Sprint Booster
Many other bells and whistles

 

Any good reputable shop can do the repair in under an hour, but expect two hours. They should be able to give you a firm estimate on the repair.

 

30 minutes to pull both covers (remove air intake, unbolt coils from vc's, unbolt fuel line and deal with fuel spillage, unbolt and remove covers)
30 minutes disassembling and cleaning left valve cover
30 minutes disassembling and cleaning right valve cover
20 minutes resealing
30 minutes to reinstall everything

we have a kit with the gaskets, rtv benz sealant, cap and bolts. also the option of adding the rtv applicator gun and such if you want to do this yourself. we can walk you through it.

there is no way to do this in an hour without cutting a lot of corners.

Blazodan, i recommend you find a local independent Mercedes repair shop if you prefer to not get dirty on this one. Yes this is a very dirty one since you have to scrap a decade of old sealant/oil/crud off the covers before you can reseal them.

 

Thanks NeedsWings! How much is the kit? I can get dirty, so long as you can walk me through it without the use of expensive special tools. Also, I think the oil cap gasket may be leaking as well. Would you happen to have that part available? I really appreciate the helpful information, thanks again.

 

Unless you have my skill level. I probably spent as much as 6 hours total over a weekend - but I learned a lot, had a lot of fun - and it's been almost two years and I have not a DROP of oil leaking.

 

Pizzaguy, I see you're OTP and not far from me. I'm certain your skill level is ahead of mine, so would you trust anyone in the area to fix this problem for me, assuming I get the parts from NeedsWings? Or, if it's really that much fun, maybe I could pay you to help? The burning oil smell is really starting to repress the car's sex appeal

 

If Mark can't help you, I can, but it's a 100 mile drive each way - mostly I-20

 

I'd like to, but I'm preparing to move to Texas in June. My weekends are becoming fewer and fewer.

 

Thanks ala, I am considering taking you up on your offer. I just ordered the parts but I do not have a carb cleaner or torque wrench. Do you think it would be worth it to drive out there, or would I be better off (1) attempting the job myself with cheap new tools or neighbor's tools, or (2) taking the parts to a local shop along with printed directions and asking for a cleaning of the affected area? Sorry for the loaded question.

I am also wondering if this might be a job best suited for a mobile, craigslist mechanic. I know they lack credentials, but this seems fairly simple and they are only about $50 per hour. I also ordered new inner fender liners and hope to get some help installing those, too. Any advice is appreciated, as always. And I very much appreciate your generous offer to help.

 

If you hang around w/ this site on your phone for quick reference, it could go well. Just make sure, they understand about the LOW torque specs. on the one time use replacement bolts. Needswings time assessment is very straightforward. (Always the constant professional) ! Mine would be more in line w/ pizzaguy, allowing for B.S., cold beer , war stories , good conversation.( All the good things, that come w/ ala_xfires's offer ,plus he knows what he's doing right outta the gate.)

 

Thanks Steve. Regarding the bolts, I ordered mine from Needswings and they are apparently stainless steel. Are these one-time replacement bolts? Do they also require low torque? ala_xfire's offer is very appealing and I may well take him up if we can find the right time.

 

Hi Steve, Bye Steve, from SUNNY Florida. LOL
Bill T.

 

One-time use.

I'm thinking something on the order of seven foot-pounds (the bolts that hold the breather to the valve cover) and ten foot-pounds (the bolts that hold the valve covers on the engine).

I'ts all in the service manual - as well as the LONG thread here:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...over-leak.html My adventure starts at post 218.

 

Hey Bill, was thinking of you during those Nor'easters up at the homestead...Hope you got to sunny Florida, before them. Shoot me a PM...Can you send me some vitamin D in a can , plz?...
Hows your valve covers doing?

 

 

Click the link below and look under Engine - Mechanical - Breather Cover Resealing

and the coil packs are sealed - you can use any cleaner, brake or carb cleaner comes to mind.